Obituary of Robert E. Weaver

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Eugene Weaver on November 22, 2024 in Cornwall, PA.

Bob was born in Reemstown, PA, to Titus and Esther (Burkholder) Weaver, a hard-working family that included five sisters. Bob dropped out of school at the age of 16 to help on the farm. The Korean War changed all of that as he was drafted but opted for alternative service at Chambersburg Hospital in the TB sanatorium. This event changed the trajectory of his life.

While working in the hospital for two years, Bob obtained his GED. He returned home to Lancaster where he and Jean married in 1957 and resided in a white clapboard house in Lititz. They then moved to Philadelphia where Bob attended an all-male nursing program at The Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital.

Bob went on to graduate from Lebanon Valley College with a BSN while working and raising a family. Slogging through Chemistry in the evening at the dining room table is a clear family memory.

He worked in a variety of medical settings, with his most significant employment being a Nursing Supervisor at Harrisburg State Hospital for 30 years. He took much pride in being a psychiatric nurse. His desire for respect and compassion with those struggling with mental illness was evident in his last employment for ten years at No Longer Alone Ministries.

Bob was always up for an adventure, such as leading canoe and horseback riding trips with Camp Hebron. Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and volunteering were important to him, and everyone knew that you could call him if anything was needed. Family vacations were a priority; be it canoeing, camping, or backpacking. There may have been some complaining from some members of the family. Deception may also have been used on more than one occasion during these outings with “The end is just around the corner.” It wasn’t.

He loved flowers, classical music, traveling to see his kids and the natural beauty of the world. On the rare occasion he slowed down, he could be found listening to NPR or classical music at full blast, watching 60 Minutes or reading countless magazines and books. He was a man of hard work and was committed to providing for his family. You were expected to keep up to his fast pace, be it walking or completing your chores. 

Bob and Jean always had an open door, for international students, college friends or Sunday lunch. He was involved in countless committees, boards and various roles in the church and the community. Generosity of the heart is something we can all strive for.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean (Frey) Weaver; his children: Carmen (Rick) Horst, Joel Brian (Dawn), Paula (Brian Schrock), and Amy Weaver Gruber; twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and five sisters: Arlene Stauffer, Evelyn (John) Witmer, Pauline (Melvin) Boll, Romaine Huber, and Joyce (Lee) Mummau. He is preceded by his parents and brothers-in-law Ben Hess, Melvin Huber, and Howard Stauffer.

Last but not least is a deep appreciation for the excellence, kindness and care that Robert received from the Northview 2 staff at Cornwall Manor. To provide dignity and care to one in their final years is a gift.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Gingrichs Mennonite Church, 100 Forney Road, Lebanon, PA 17042. A light meal will be provided after the service and we encourage all to join us.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to either of these worthy causes: Jubilee Ministries, 235 S. 12th St., Lebanon, PA 17046 or Gingrichs Mennonite Refugee Resettlement Program, 100 Forney Road, Lebanon, PA 17042 (include Church World Service in memo).

This Christmas season, take a moment and listen to The Messiah, a perennial favorite of Bob’s. “How beautiful are the feet of those that bring good news.”